Patient and Visitor Information
for Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint
Amenities
Parking
Free parking is available for your convenience. Multiple handicapped spaces are available
for use. Wheelchairs are accessible for use during your visit to the cancer center. These are
located just inside the lobby entrance.
Smoke Free Campus / Help Quitting Tobacco
-
The Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint is a non-smoking campus.
Your oncology physician will assess your smoking cessation needs and make
recommendations.
- McLaren offers free classes to assist people in their smoking cessation journey. Call
810-342-5370 for more information.
- Telephone counseling is offered free of charge to help quit tobacco use at the Michigan
Tobacco Quit line. Please call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
Televisions and Other Resources
The cancer center has a book and puzzle ‘take and leave’ program. You are welcome to take or leave books, puzzles or games from the area located in the middle hallway. Radiation therapy has televisions in their lobbies. Medical oncology has televisions at each treatment chair. Please bring your own headphones, or you may purchase them for a nominal fee from staff.
Transportation
Some insurances cover transportation for medical appointments. If you are in need of assistance with transportation to medical appointments, or medical treatments there may be a phone number of the back of your insurance card to assist you. If you are having difficulty or need further assistance, please speak with your physician’s front office staff. The American Cancer Society has a coordinated relationship with Karmanos Cancer Institute and may be able to assist with cancer treatment transportation needs. Please notify our staff and they will make accommodations.
Hospitality House
The Hospitality House was created for people traveling long distances to receive care at
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint. In addition to the home away from home
atmosphere, the house features amenities such as a large, fully equipped kitchen,
exercise area, laundry room, library, conference center and a contemplation room to
provide a non-denominational setting for quiet reflection. For further information, or to
make a reservation, please call 810-820-9800.
Vending Machines
For your convenience, limited vending machines are available for beverages and snacks.
Complimentary coffee and tea are always available. Please feel free to bring snacks for days
when treatments are over an extended period of time
Internet Access
Wi-Fi is available free of charge. You can connect to the Wi-Fi simply by choosing “guest”
as the option on your phone, tablet or laptop.
Lab Services
Laboratory services are available on-site and at offsite facilities to provide convenient care.
Resources and Support
While you and your family adjust to a new cancer diagnosis, staff members are committed to helping you understand and manage your cancer treatments. We are pleased to offer individualized and personal support.
Cancer Care Nursing Team
Our nursing staff in medical, radiation and surgical oncology work hand-in-hand with patients, their families, caregivers, medical staff and the community to assure that an appropriate plan of care is developed and implemented to meet the needs of the patients. The nursing staff works collaboratively to educate patients and schedule medical care. Many of our nurses specialize in oncology (cancer) care and are designated Oncology Certified Nurses (OCN). Your cancer care team also includes medical assistants who work directly with your physicians and nurses.
Library and Cancer Resource Center
This is a patient and family-friendly health library. Cancer patients and their caregivers have
access to the Cancer Resource Center, located in the Flint Radiation Services lobby. This
patient resource center is designed specifically to assist the cancer patients with their journey
and need for information and resources. Topics include information on the diagnosis and
treatment of cancer, coping and local financial resource assistance for people with cancer.
There are brochures you may take and a lending library for checking books out.
Genetic Counseling
The Cancer Genetic Counseling Service at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center involves documenting detailed personal and family history, conducting a personalized risk assessment and discussing your genetic testing options. The goal is to help you understand your cancer risk and the chance that cancer might be passed along through the genes in your family (risk assessment). This information can also help you to become more involved in ways to reduce your risk by modifying your lifestyle and developing a personalized screening and treatment plan.
McLaren Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine and Fitness
McLaren provides comprehensive, individualized treatments to help patients decrease pain
and improve function after injury, surgery or illness. Patients interested in therapy services
should discuss this with their physician. Services include:
- Lymphedema therapy
- Pelvic floor strengthening, including fecal and urinary inconstancy and pain
management.
- Fall prevention, strengthening and rehabilitation
Music and Art Therapy
The music and art therapists can assist you in coping with a cancer diagnosis
and promote emotional healing using many treatment modalities. Some of these services
also include:
- Healing through art workshops
- Support groups
- Individual and family counseling
You may reach our art therapist at 810-342-4201.
You may reach our music therapist at 810- 342-3800.
Nutrition Counseling
Your nutritional needs vary depending on your disease, cancer treatment and your metabolism. It is important to know that everyone does not have difficulty with nutrition during cancer treatments. If you have any questions about nutrition or how to eat during your cancer care you may contact our registered dietitian at 810-342-3823.
Medical Social Worker
The oncology social worker is available to address psychosocial needs of the patient and
their families during all phases of cancer treatment. Areas of support include:
- Counseling
- Problem solving and coping strategies
- Advanced Directives: Making decisions about future care.
- Coordinating care needs
- Education about resources and linking to community programs
- Financial assistance and disability program information
- Advocacy
Spiritual and Pastoral Care
A sense of meaning, purpose and connection beyond oneself can help to improve quality of life, and to put problems in perspective. Each person’s spiritual beliefs and experiences are nurtured in different ways. For more information call McLaren Flint Pastoral Services at 810-342-2174
Support/Education Groups
Support/educational groups provide an opportunity to network, learn and alleviate feelings of isolation. There are many ongoing support groups to assist patients and family as they
navigate their journey with a cancer diagnosis. To obtain a list of our current offerings, please visit our cancer center website to obtain a cancer center monthly newsletter or
call 810-342-3800.
Supportive Services
While you and your family adjust to a new cancer diagnosis, we would like you to know staff at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint is committed to helping you understand and
manage your cancer treatment. We are pleased to offer individualized and personal support.